Driver Hire Nationwide

Skinner's back on track

Paul and Shirley McKenna, owners of Driver Hire Leicester, are helping Mick Skinner, a local speedway rider, fulfil his dreams. If you’re not familiar with it, the sport isn’t for the faint hearted. Riders compete on single geared motorbikes and can reach speeds of up to 70 mph on the straights. Their bikes have no brakes so cornering can be fun!

In his teens, Mick was a promising novice rider. However the pressure of maintaining a full-time job whilst furthering his speedway racing ambitions was too much. So Mick had to give up on his dream. Instead he kept in touch with the sport that he loves by taking part in its pedal powered version – cycle speedway. Mick raced for his local team, Leicester Monarchs. Then, some of his friends from the old days got in touch. They were riding amateur speedway events and encouraged Mick to have a go again.

So in 2012, nearly 40 years later than planned, he made his long awaited senior debut, riding for a Leicester ‘select team’. The years certainly hadn’t dimmed Mick’s ability – he ended the match as top scorer, with seven points.

Now, with the financial support of Paul and Shirley, Mick is looking forward to 2014. “He’s hoping to move up to open class level next season,” says Paul. “This means he will be racing at a far higher level – against former professionals and budding new speedway stars. We’re delighted that we can help Paul finally achieve his dream. It just goes to show that whatever your aim, age is no barrier if you’re determined to achieve something.”